This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
We’ve all heard the rumours that Macs don’t need antivirus software. We hate to break it to you but that just isn’t true. As security software brands will tell you: Any machine is susceptible to attack. Even the mighty Apple Mac.
Sure, Macs are generally more secure than PCs. Windows does tend to have more security vulnerabilities because, while Apple does everything in-house, Windows operates on hardware from a handful of manufacturers. Apple’s closed-loop system simply makes holes smaller, which means Mac systems are harder to infiltrate.
Antivirus software is still a worthwhile purchase whatever computer you use. That said, buying tech is always tricky — especially if you’re not a dedicated tech-head. But fear not, Mac users: We’re here to help with some useful information and a roundup of the best antivirus software for Macs.
Do Macs need antivirus software?
In our opinion, yes. The chances of hackers deliberately going after Mac users are definitely in the minority, but not zero. And hackers know that most Mac owners are under the impression that their Macs, Macbooks, iPads, and iPhones are invincible
Mac’s malware problem has not just caught up to the PC infection rate but actually outpaced it. Adware, or advertisement-supported software, is also a problem. Though not as dangerous as a virus, they bombard your device with ads, and can go as far as to change your browser’s homepage and add spyware.
What’s the difference between a virus and malware?
Malware (short for malicious software) is an umbrella term covering any software intentionally to cause damage to a computer, server, network, or the user of any of these things. Malware can be as dull and irritating as adware (pop-ups that don’t go away) or as dangerous and invasive as webcam spying.
A virus is a form of malware that self-replicates in different programs by using malicious code. The infection can stem from emails or text attachments, links on social media or streaming sites, pop-ups where you really thought you just X-ed out, or seemingly-safe internet downloads like a game or browser add-on. Ransomware is another kind of malware to know about, too. This blocks access to a system until a ransom is paid — essentially holding it hostage.
What is a password manager?
If you’re one of those people who recycles the same password over and over, the number of websites or apps where that password and your email (and credit card info, or worse) are connected is concerning. Vulnerable login credentials are constantly passed around the dark web after major security breaches.
Many antivirus software options consider password-related threats to fall under the security threat umbrella and will include some type of password manager in their package. These programs take on the task of creating and remembering a super-random password unique to each website you log into.
What is the best antivirus software for a Mac?
It’s hard to say for certain because it depends on you and your Mac usage. What we do know, however, is that research is time-consuming part, so we’ve taken care of that for you. We’ve looked at some of the best antivirus solutions for Macs, ensuring an extra layer of security between your data and viruses. We’ve also evaluated their effectiveness at detecting viruses and laid out any additional security features.
These are the best antivirus software options for your Mac in 2024.